8 October 2009
THE Government has estimated the cost of construction of the Mongu-Kalabo Road as US$45 million, far below the amounts asked for by the prospective bidders for the project.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Works and Supply Deputy Minister Mundia Ndalamei said the revised detailed engineering design for the remaining 35 kilometres had been completed and the tender for the remaining section advertised.
Mr Ndalamei said this in response to a question by Luampa Member of Parliament Josephine Limata (UPND) who wanted to know when the rehabilitation works for the road would resume and who the contractor was as well as the estimated cost for the works.
He said that the ministry was unable to start the works, as the funds were inadequate. He, however, said the ministry was looking for resources and was currently making concessionary loans or pre-financing by interested road contractors.
Labour and Social Security Minister Austin Liato said 2,500 Zambians would be employed at Baluba Mine while Mulyashi Mine would employ more than 1,700 Zambians and between 30 and 40 Chinese.
Mr Liato said this when he responded to a question raised by Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili (PF) who wanted to know how many Zambians the new owners of the Luanshya Copper Mines would employ.
The minister also said that in the initial stage, it would seem that more Chinese would be employed until at a time that Zambians would be competent enough to fully carry out the operations.
He said this when he responded to a follow up question from Mr Kambwili who wanted to know why there were more Chinese than Zambians.
Contributing to debate on the president's address to the National Assembly, Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti said the Government had not diverted from the legacy of late president Mwanawasa.
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